Is online gambling legal in Thailand?

Online gambling is strictly illegal in Thailand. The nation's primary legislative tool against gambling, the Gambling Act of B.E. 2478 (1935), provides a blanket ban on most forms of betting and wagering. Although the act was written long before the advent of the internet, its provisions are interpreted to cover all forms of gambling, including those conducted online.

There is no separate law that specifically regulates online gambling; instead, it falls under the general prohibition of the 1935 Act. This means that operating an online casino or sportsbook within Thailand is illegal, as is participating in any online gambling activities as a player. The Thai government has consistently taken a hardline stance against online gambling, with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society actively blocking access to thousands of gambling websites.

Despite these efforts, a massive underground market for online gambling thrives, with many Thais using offshore platforms. In recent years, particularly in 2025 and early 2026, there have been significant discussions within the Thai government about the possibility of legalizing and regulating certain forms of online gambling.

The main drivers for this potential policy shift are the desire to generate tax revenue, protect consumers, and bring the rampant illegal market under control. However, as of now, no new laws have been passed, and online gambling remains firmly prohibited.